Abu Dhabi GP: Last-minute dining with a view at race weekend

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It’s not too late to snag a seat at a restaurant that boasts trackside views this race weekend. For pit stops to refuel with views of the track, check out one of these prime locations.

Diablito Food & Music, Yas Marina

Diablito is one of the spots worth considering this weekend. Courtesy Diablito

The rooftop terrace at Diablito has 360-degree views of Yas Marina and Yas Island. You’ll get great views of the track while noshing on the eatery’s tapas, pizzas and other Mediterranean bites. From Friday to Saturday, it’s first come, first served, with no reservations needed from noon until 2am. On Sunday, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE takes over Diablito’s rooftop for a race day party with bird’s-eye views of the race and music from DJs Frederick Stone, Michka, Sam Starks and Mario Bazouri. For reservations, call 056 113 3400.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

There’s no better place to experience the thrill of race weekend than inside the Yas Viceroy – the only hotel in the world situated directly over a Formula 1 track. While it’s probably too late to book a room, you might be able to still score a seat at one of the hotel’s restaurants with trackside views. Call 02 656 0600 or email dining@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Origins

The terrace at this all-day dining venue overlooks the track, giving diners front-row seats to all the racing action. Diners will get complimentary access to the terrace, which offers a three-corner track view. Origins will have live cooking stations, seafood, barbecue, sushi and a range of desserts on offer. Packages start from Dh750 and include access to the terrace, entry to the after-race concerts at du Arena and complimentary access to Yacht Marina. Call 02 656 0600 for reservations.

Atayeb

Catch the practice races or the main event on this restaurant’s terrace. Guests can satiate themselves on signature dishes from Morocco, Tunisia, Syria and Lebanon, including mezzes, stews, kebabs and tagines. Shisha is also available. Prices start from Dh350 on Thursday; Dh750 on Friday and Saturday; and from Dh3,300 on Sunday. Call 02 656 0600.

Kazu

This Japanese restaurant inside the Yas Viceroy also has a terrace that serves up trackside views with your meal. Guests can refuel with a range of sushi, sashimi, tempura, selections from the robatayaki grill and more. Prices start from Dh350 on Thursday; Dh750 on Friday and Saturday; and from Dh3,300 on Sunday. Call 02 656 0600

Cipriani, Yas Island

Cipriani, the restaurant at which to see and be seen this weekend, will serve up its legendary Italian cuisine throughout F1. The à la carte menu will feature dishes inspired by classic dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice, served up in a setting that includes views of the track. Bonus: we’re in the middle of truffle season so guests can opt to have their dishes topped with white Alba truffle for a decadent addition to the meal. DJ Andrea will perform ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s classics nightly from 11pm until late to add to the festive racing atmosphere. Thursday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 4am. Note: All bookings are limited to two hours on the table and are confirmed by credit card payment (minimum spend of Dh1,300). Tables will be held for 20 minutes and cancellation charges apply. Call 02 657 5400.

Meanwhile at the track…

As has become customary over the years, racegoers will be able to choose from a selection of dining options, from high-end restaurants with great views, to more casual street meals from Asia, Mexico, Cuba, the Americas and the Middle East.

The food truck fare will be back again too, with 20 food trucks included in Abu Dhabi F1’s 70 food and beverage outlets. These will include Bunny Chow, which dishes up South African-style curry served in bread, Karak House, which serves Indian teas and Emirati sweets, Moti Roti (Pakistani cuisine), and Pink Burger, which has a healthy burger selection.

Meanwhile, the food on offer in the ‘Club Areas’ will include Italian, Cuban and American cuisines, while the brunches will focus on a bounty of street food with multiple live cooking stations.